The Psalms: Where to Go In Stressful Times

31 Mar The Psalms: Where to Go In Stressful Times

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and
afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my
distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. (Psalm 25:16-18)

Last night
I watched a livestream of Dr. Tim Keller share some insights on Psalm 11. It was greatly encouraging. He began his time by mentioning that the
Psalms should be our “go to” book in times of stress as they show us God’s
people crying out to Him in all kinds of situations. I think we’re all learning that lesson
together.

I know the
Psalms have been of great help and comfort to me and I’ve mentioned it to you
several times. Just this morning, the
passage above was of help to me. Our
HLPC MidWeek Facebook Live Bible Study tonight at 7PM will be focusing on Psalm
121. My plan is to continue looking at
various Psalms with you for the foreseeable future.

One insight
Dr. Keller shared was that worry is our concern that, though God is sovereign
and in control, He won’t get it right. I thought that was insightful. Many of us have no trouble affirming the
doctrinal truth that God is sovereign, yet we still worry. I know I still do. My worry is rooted in doubting God’s goodness
and wisdom alongside His providential ordering of life. Let me commend to you
Tim Keller’s excellent book, The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotionals
in the Psalms. You can order a copy
by going HERE .

Tonight, I’ll
be broadcasting once again from the studios at Bankson Manor (also known as our
upstairs bonus room). Please join us for
a time of study and then I’ll lead us in prayer. May God grant us grace to trust Him and give
Him our fears and our worry.

Paul Bankson

pbankson@gmail.com

Paul was born and raised in Birmingham, AL and graduated from Auburn University in 1986 with a degree in Business Administration. It was at Auburn that he met his wife, Connie. They were married in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and moved to Jackson, MS where he attended Reformed Theological Seminary graduating with a Master of Divinity in 1991.
Upon graduation, Paul served as a Campus Minister with RUF, the campus ministry of the PCA, at Tennessee-Martin where the Banksons lived for 5 years. They moved to Macon, GA in 1996 to work with RUF at Mercer University and then Paul joined the pastoral staff at First Presbyterian Church of Macon as an Assistant Pastor in 1999.
In 2004, Paul and his family moved to Warner Robins where he served as a church planter and then organizing Pastor of Houston Lake Presbyterian Church. In December 2014 Paul completed a Doctor of Ministry degree through Reformed Theological Seminary of Orlando.
Paul and Connie have three sons, Andrew (23), Stephen (20), and Matthew (15). Paul enjoys grilling, camping with his family, and Auburn sports (War Eagle!).